Michigan mauls dogfighting industry with aggressive new penalties

Dogfighting fans in Michigan might want to consider a new hobby, like stealing candy from babies or pulling the wings off butterflies. The state has passed the toughest anti-dogfighting legislation in the country, which provides for punishments of up to 20 years in jail and fines of up to $100,000, up from a maximum four years and $50,000. Police will also be able to seize homes and vehicles associated with blood sport-related felonies and charge organizers with racketeering. Unsurprisingly, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is happy with the law, which was signed in late December. "Michigan is out ahead on this one," said state director for the Midwest, Vicki Deisner. [Source]

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